MitsuStyle - View Single Post - Cometic Head Gasket Re-use?

Wizard · 05-31-2005

For the effort to change it and the minimal cost ($40-100), why are you going to waste the time to even think about it? Replace it.

The only time I consider a HG safe for reuse is if the car has not had a chance to get warm. IE, initial startup and major leak, knocking sound, whatever and you shut it down. But once the engine gets to operating temp, the head and block have moved enough to shape the gasket to seal properly. If removed and reinstalled, the gasket will not always conform like it should to seal properly. Remember, once crushed they don't return to their original shape. The only HGs that are made to be reused are solid copper HGs.

Wiz

05-31-2005	#7
Wizard Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Aberdeen, SD Posts: 147	Re: Cometic Head Gasket Re-use? For the effort to change it and the minimal cost ($40-100), why are you going to waste the time to even think about it? Replace it. The only time I consider a HG safe for reuse is if the car has not had a chance to get warm. IE, initial startup and major leak, knocking sound, whatever and you shut it down. But once the engine gets to operating temp, the head and block have moved enough to shape the gasket to seal properly. If removed and reinstalled, the gasket will not always conform like it should to seal properly. Remember, once crushed they don't return to their original shape. The only HGs that are made to be reused are solid copper HGs. Wiz